Barry-44 Reviews

Strangers on a Train (1951)

Gay Subtleness

[10/10 · 20 February 2006]

I like the gay subtleness to the two lead characters. Both men ate alone in private quarters but could have eaten with others if they had waited twenty minutes. I think one was more passive than the other, but I think there's a love between the two main characters. With the new movie Brokeback Mountain showing around the world, it's still a pleasure to see gay people in old black and white movies.

This movie is outstanding and each time you watch it you will see more. Bruno talks gently to men--very gently--but extremely forceful to women, preferring to talk to men in private.

Also, if you really take notice, there's a lesbian in this movie as well--or one that could be. Clever indeed!

The Event (2003)

Thom Fitzgerald: take a bow

[12 October 2003]

Thom Fitzgerald has done a wonderful job directing this film. By twenty minutes into the movie I cared about the characters. There's nothing pretentious or annoying about this movie, however the ending shocked me totally. I was not prepared for the ending. I heard sniffles when the credits rolled and when I walked out on to the sidewalk after leaving the theatre I felt stunned. I had no idea that local actor Walter Borden was in the movie -- a definite added attraction. But I don't want to say who does a better job in acting than others as I totally believe the movie is superb just the way it is.

This is a movie I would prefer to attend alone so no one will talk to me throughout the film. Without sounding like an owl, the ending shocked the pants off me. I thought I figured it out, but was w-a-y off. Thom Fitzgerald: take a bow.

New Waterford Girl (1999)

Silly, confusing movie.

[22 June 2003]

It's pretty bad when you have to refer to the back of the movie box at the end of the movie to know what a movie is about. This is what happened with New Waterford Girl. (I am so disappointed in this movie I could scream.) I did enjoy the photography of Cape Breton and Mary Walsh too short of bit parts throughout the movie.

Butterflies Are Free (1972)

Powerful performances by Goldie Hawn, Eileen Heckart and Edward Albert

[19 June 2003]

The three main characters in this movie give powerful performances. I really enjoyed the movie and although dated (1972), the acting is real and believable. It must have been wonderful to see this movie on the big screen. Goldie Hawn is bubbly and likeable, but shows that she can be firm and cry. Eileen Heckart is bold, direct, and loves her son (Edward Albert) to the extreme. Edward Albert ties all the characters together. I found the movie touching, enjoyable, and adorable.

Martha, Inc.: The Story of Martha Stewart (2003 TV Movie)

Cybill Shepherd sizzles as Martha Stewart

[10/10 · 19 May 2003]

I found the movie most believable. Cybill Shepherd does an outstanding job as Martha Stewart. It shows the complexities of business, but also shows the woman behind the businesswoman. I give this movie the highest rating.

The Snowman (1982 TV Movie)

Absolutely magnificant *** SPOILER ***

[10/10 · 20 December 2002]

Just by accident I switched on the tv and there began The Snowman. This animation contains no words except for a song. I'm 43, but many memories of when I was a young boy returned to me. The love between the snowman and the boy is believable. The film, I believe, is a half-hour masterpiece. Thank God I had the sense to record this brilliant piece of art.

The last 15 seconds of the film made me weep. The camera angles are exceptional. The ending music is unbelievably excellent -- a lone piano. This is simply the best animation I've ever watched. Thank you, Dianne Jackson.

Die Another Day (2002)

Poor way to spend $10.50

[1/10 · 25 November 2002]

I liked the opening scene, the familiar James Bond music. I also loved the panoramic view at the very end of the music taken from a helicopter. Both needed no special effects. But besides that, I found the movie so boring I was thinking about the ten bucks I spent to see it. This movie would be excellent if you had the mind of a ten-year-old kid, but personally, for me, I actually laughed at the special effects and nearly hooted at the invisible car. Then I felt angry that this was going to be the highlight of the movie. Halle Berry's body looked good, I must admit that. I wanted to see the magic of Roger Moore and Sean Connery's movies -- but none did I see. I also found it insulting how M treated James Bond. He's a secret agent for years and years and she looks at him as if he's an idiot? Miranda Frost reminded me of a mild mannered Anne Robinson. John Cleese protrayal of Q was totally laughable. Madonna's cameo was crude and unnecessary. Since I paid my money (and movie theatres don't give refunds) I kept wondering why no one found it cold walking around the ice hotel and what kind of covered sheets would need to be used on the ice beds for sleeping. I enjoyed Madonna's techno-enhanced (think Cher's Believe) theme song titled Die Another Day.

The Collector (1965)

Creepy, but brilliant

[27 October 2002]

The Collector is one of the best movies I've ever seen with regards to suspense. This 1965 movie sent chills down my spine several times. Terence Stamp (Freddie Clegg) is exceptional. At first the movie appears a bit silly, but horror soon steps in. Freddie Clegg collects butterflies and then he collects a woman. Literally. He keeps her locked in his basement. Definitely not for children, but this movie is a must for horror fans. I recommend it highly.

The Hanging Garden (1997)

Thom Fitzgerald is exceptional

[10/10 · 25 September 2002]

The Hanging Garden is my favorite all-time movie. The storyline is perfect and the camera shots would have pleased Alfred Hitchcock. Thom Fitzgerald, its stunning director, ties everything together. I have watched this movie several times -- each time seeing much more.

Columbo: Negative Reaction (1974) Season 4, Episode 2

There's something eerie from the opening scene ...

[12 July 2002]

I've seen many Columbo movies; Negative Reaction is exceptional. There's something eerie from the opening scene where Paul Galesko's [superbly played by Dick Van Dyke] wife Frances is heard through the darkroom door. Nagging, haunting.

The movie was made in 1974 with all the attitudes and charm of that period. Luckily, I taped this movie and will watch it many times to fully enjoy the actors. Dick Van Dyke is at his wits' ends once Colombo gets finished with him. That's what is so enjoyable about this fine movie.

The ending scene where Colombo sits on a desk is flawless. Of course I'm an extreme Colombo fan, but this movie reminded me somewhat of Dial M For Murder, although the plot and characters are totally and absolutely different. If there are other Colombo fans out there who have seen this particular movie, please feel free to contact me to discuss it.

Big Momma's House (2000)

I found myself laughing out loud

[2 June 2002]

There's much more to this movie than meets the eye. Ella Mitchell is exceptional as Big Momma. It's a shame that she's not in the entire movie as she's exceedingly talented. Same goes for Cedric the Entertainer who plays the Reverend. The plot isn't surprising, but the movie is light and it made me laugh out loud. Seldomly do I give more that a chuckle when watching a movie, but I laughed several times during Big Momma's House.

The special effect artists must also be congratulated. Great job in transforming a handsome looking man into Big Momma. And, finally, I'd like to thank the camera people who took some awesome shots during this comedy.

Spider-Man (2002)

Kept me interested from beginning to end

[10/10 · 2 June 2002]

"Spider-Man" is my favorite movie to date. As a boy I dreamt of being Spiderman and watching this movie brought back the magic of entertainment with exceptional actors and filming and believable acting and story plot. Tobey Maguire is wonderful both as the awkward teenager and as Spiderman. Director Sam Raimi is brilliant and I applaud him loudly. I rate this movie extremely high and recommend it totally.

Columbo: Ashes to Ashes (1998) Season 10, Episode 12

Columbo fan gives nod for Ashes to Ashes

[10/10 · 8 August 2000]

I'm a great Columbo fan and Ashes to Ashes certainly didn't disappoint me in any way, shape or form. Peter Falk, as usual is splendid as Lt. Columbo. Patrick McGoohan, as stern and sometime wry undertaker Eric Prince, plays his role precisely and believably. He had played in previous Columbo movies. Rue McClanahan plays gossip columnist Verity Chandler with such magic and charm that we want to see much, much more of her. Sally Kellerman plays Liz Houston convincingly. Along with the rest of the actors in this wonderful movie, the viewer will not be disappointed at the end of the movie. If you adore mystery and Columbo, this movie is for you! It's to be noted that it's not just the main actors that make this movie work. All actors play their parts exceptionally.

Psycho (1960)

You Can't Just Watch It Once !

[10/10 · 19 February 1999]

Psycho is the kind of movie that entices you to watch it over and over. It demands you study the camera angles, facial expressions, background of the scenes, clothes, paintings on the walls, etc. Simply put: the movie is a masterpiece. I get so wrapped up into the movie that I forget that it's forty years later and the actors/actresses in this flick are now all old, or dead. Anthony Perkins, the man who plays the mysterious Norman Bates who struggles with the love of his mother, died in the 1990s. Anthony Perkins shows the talent of an actor that is second to none. His performance is brilliant.

Vera Miles reminds me of the nosey best-friend that each one of us has. She's not a totally lovable person but her character shows that deep down, she is a caring person. She has more guts than me when she goes to the house to visit Norman's mother.

John Gavin's role would be the role that most of the men watching the movie could relate to the most. He appears as a clean-cut man who just so happens is having an affair. He plays the character of Sam. John Gavin, the actor, is complicated, however. You will understand when you watch the movie. He really doesn't speak a lot but his body language is excellent. I would love to know more about Mr. John Gavin but there's very little information about him on the internet.

Patricia Hitchcock is the director's daughter. She plays the role of an office worker. Her acting is totally believable and I found myself watching the scene in which she appears over and over.

Alfred Hitchcock's famous movie Psycho is my favorite-all-time movie and every time I watch it, I see something else in a scene that I did not see before.

Lastly, Janet Leigh plays the woman who checks into Bates' Motel and it's a visit which the viewer will never forget.

I love this movie so much that I wish it were possible for me to shake the hand of every actor and actress who starred in this classic tale. Once you see the movie I think you will agree.

The camera men deserves a special pat on the back for their fine work.

Margaret's Museum (1995)

Grabs the viewer and keeps him interested from start until finish ..

[9/10 · 7 January 1999]

Margaret's Museum is a powerful movie which takes place in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. It is a movie made from a short story written by Sheldon Currie.

Helena Bonham Carter and Kate Nelligan are sheer excellence in every which way. Also, Clive Russell, and all the other actors are brilliant and their roles are believable, and sometimes shocking. I forgot while watching this movie that it indeed is a movie .. it seem so very real.

The beginning of the movie will grab your attention completely; the middle explains almost everything; and the ending will shock you. Completely.

It was about time I finally watched a movie I had no idea in my wildest imagination what the ending would be like.

I love this movie and will watch it many, many times. I also think the photography, the music scores (Rankin Family), etc., are also excellent.

Do I rate this movie a 10? You bet!

A Handful of Dust (1988)

Weak in acting .. rich in background

[29 December 1998]

Evelyn Waugh's A Handful of Dust is a masterpiece. Unfortunately, the actors in this movie doesn't give strong performances. I am not saying they are not fine actors in other movies, but I am saying that the roles each of them play in A Handful of Dust is unbelievable and weak. Even that little boy who plays the snotty son wasn't casted properly for his role. And, even when the actors smoked it looked liked they were merely acting.

It's a shame. The filming, background, clothes, speech, etc., etc., are all excellent. Too bad the acting wasn't as good.

I am sorry. I cannot recommend this movie. I don't think Evelyn Waugh would be too happy with the performances of the actors and actresses of his book.

Phone Call from a Stranger (1952)

A twisting, thoughtful movie.

[29 December 1998]

Phone Call From A Stranger will be worth the watch for any Shelley Winters or Bette Davis fans. I watched the old, 1952 black and white movie on a drizzling afternoon and surprisingly, the flick made me feel real good. Why, you ask? On back of the movie packet it tells you that "A plane crash puts an end to the sufferings of three ill-fated passengers ..." With that alone, one would assume that it's a totally 'down' movie. However, it is not. It's like that old saying that my grandmother used to make, "In everyone's life a little rain must fall". Well, I guess she was right if one is to enjoy the sunny days. Which, Phone Call From A Stranger turns out to be: a sunny day after much rain.

This movie will make you feel good about yourself. I promise. I think that's what so great about older movies; no special effects to disturb the real meaning of movies: the actors and actresses.

A must-see for classic movie fans.

Psycho (1998)

Psycho (1998) is Psycho (1998)

[27 December 1998]

Almost 40 years ago a black and white film was made called Psycho. It was a thriller. The new movie is just that: a new movie! Why can't people either go watch it and enjoy it for what it is; a 1998 movie called Psycho, or don't bother going if you think you are going to see the original Norman Bates' actor. Remember, Anthony Perkins died.

The movie shows off some fine acting. I am sure all of the characters have watched the original a time or two. Doesn't matter. My point? Well, my father watched television when it first came out. Today, televisions are totally different from the black and white one that he first watched. That doesn't mean that he doesn't enjoy the newer televisions of today.

Get with it, movie-goers: give the actors and full cast of this movie a bow. They deserve it! Finally, anyone who saw the original in the movie theatre or at a drive-in theatre is now probably some old set-in-their-way senior citizen by now.

A must-see movie!

Ordinary People (1980)

Excellent Story Outline

[21 December 1998]

Mary Tyler Moore does something in this movie that a lot of actors cannot do; she moved from being funny on the Mary Tyler Moore Show to the serious Ordinary People role. I have always been a big Moore fan but this movie proves that with the talents of the director, Robert Redford, and the other actors, Ordinary People does not disappoint the viewer. If you are looking for laughs, skip this flick. However, if you want to watch a movie that will really make you sit and watch, this is surely the one to see. Mary Tyler Moore is excellent as a cold person. Ops! Should I have mentioned that?

The Apartment (1960)

Enjoyable and calming movie

[10/10 · 17 December 1998]

The Apartment is an excellent feel-good movie. For me, it was a two-hour escape from the real world. The main reason was because Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine do a superb job in their individual roles. The movie is in black and white which enhances the movie. It made me feel great! The movie was made in an era when people still knew what was right, and what was wrong. I highly recommend The Apartment.